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 Cities of passion, centuries of architecture, and the fiery flamenco await. Spanish splendour abounds as we discover the royal heritage of Madrid, the fiery passion of Sevilla, and the architectural masterpieces of Barcelona. Savour the tantalizing aromas of tapas while wandering old-world avenues to a flamenco soundscape. Explore soaring cathedrals and ornate plazas, relish mouthwatering cuisine in Córdoba, then unveil the history of Granada’s sprawling hilltop fortress of Alhambra. Indulge in thriving arts and culture scenes, authentic Andalusian cuisine, and nightlife that redefines the meaning of ‘fiesta.’
• Dive into the flavors and culture of Madrid, Spain’s gorgeous capital
• Be awestruck by Sagrada Familia, a monument that’s been under construction for 130 years in Barcelona
• Discover Alhambra, a fortress perched on a hilltop overlooking Granada
• Gaze upon the Palacio Real de Madrid and visit the lively Chueca gaybourhood
• Catch a high-speed train for a scenic ride through the countryside
• Visit the Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world
• Tour La Mezquita, a vibrant and important Mosque-Cathedral
• Tapas-hop through authentic Spanish restaurants in Córdoba
• Marvel at the ornate Plaza de España
• Paint the town red on a big gay night out in Barcelona
Day 1
Bienvenidos a España! Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel, where you’ll be free to relax until our 6PM Welcome Meeting. Later, we’ll take an orientation walk around the area and enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a stylish local restaurant.
Hotel: Avani Alonso Martinez Hotel, Madrid, 4*
Day 2
Buenos dias! Today is about experiencing quintessential Spanish culture, and we’ll begin our private city tour at the Palacio Real de Madrid, where we’ll bask in the impressive architecture and snap some photos. Our walking tour will take us through the history of Madrid, both mainstream and LGBTQ+ with a few stops for tapas along the way. Our tour will include the Royal Palace, Gran Via, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza de la Villa, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, and more! We’ll end in the lively gaybourhood of Chueca, where our guide will highlight important sites from Spain’s queer movement. We’ll have the afternoon at our leisure to perhaps wander through Mercado San Antón, visit Libreria Berkana, Madrid’s oldest queer bookstore, or recharge with a siesta. This evening, we’ll reconvene for a late dinner (as the Spaniards do) near the hotel and have an opportunity to check out the nearby bars.
Hotel: Avani Alonso Martinez Hotel, Madrid, 4*
Day 3
We’ll begin today with a 2-hour high-speed train ride to Córdoba, a bastion of Moorish architecture that’s home to the adorable Calleja de las Flores (Flower Street). After we drop our luggage at the hotel, our guided tour begins! Our first stop will be La Mezquita, the impressive Mosque-Cathedral containing 856 colourful columns made from marble, onyx, jasper and granite. Notably, La Mezquita began as a mosque, and was later transformed by Christians who built a towering cathedral out of the roof of the existing structure. Afterward, we’ll stroll through the Jewish Quarter and visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, known for its mosaics and gardens. After lunch, we’ll have some free time to explore the city at our own pace or have a siesta. This evening, we’ll tapas-hop our way through 3 amazing restaurants and perhaps take a stroll along the river, ice cream in hand.
Hotel: H10 Palacio Colomera Hotel, Cordoba, 4*
Day 4
This morning, we’ll have a chance to sleep in and enjoy the hotel’s pool. Around lunchtime, we’ll hop into our private transfer headed to Sevilla, taking in the sweeping views of the picturesque countryside during our 90-minute drive. Upon arrival, we’ll get settled at the hotel before a short orientation walk with the rest of the afternoon free. This evening, we’ll wander over to La Encarnación Square and the Metropol Parasol (also known as the ‘mushrooms of Seville’), a completely wooden architectural wonder which is officially the largest wooden structure in the world. Here, we’ll have time to snap photos before we turn up the heat at Tablao Flamenco Las Setas with a magical flamenco performance and an included cocktail. After the show, we’ll head to an included dinner at an exquisite LGBTQ-owned restaurant, followed by a walk (and possibly a drink) in Almeda de Hércules, a popular street that features several queer bars – muy caliente!
Hotel: H10 Casa de la Plata Hotel, Seville, 4*
Day 5
Rise and shine! After breakfast, we’re off to soak in the highlights of Sevilla. First, we’ll transfer to Plaza de España to tour this architectural masterpiece built for the 1929 Barcelona International Expo. You may recognize the ornate plaza from films like Lawrence Of Arabia, Star Wars: Episode 2, and the recent Netflix series KAOS. Next, we’ll visit the Alcázar of Seville and the nearby Cathedral of Seville, the largest Christian Gothic cathedral in the world. After lunch, we’ll have the afternoon and evening at our leisure. If you’re interested, join our host for a sunset walk to the Tirana Bridge and an optional dinner.
Hotel: H10 Casa de la Plata Hotel, Seville, 4*
Day 6
This morning, we’ll have a luxuriously late start before an included breakfast and a private transfer to Granada, a lovely city perched in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. After checking in to our hotel and enjoying some downtime, we’ll head to Alhambra in the early evening. This sprawling hilltop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site dominates the city’s skyline and plays host to royal palaces, serene patios, and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty, which are best viewed in the evening. While here, we’ll visit Palacios Nazaríes, a spectacular basilica that flaunts its opulent Moorish-style courtyards, reception halls, and royal quarters. We’ll then return to our hotel to freshen up before an included group dinner.
Hotel: Melia Granada Hotel, Granada, 4*
Day 7
Today, we’re making the most of our last full day in Andalusia. After breakfast, we’ll head out on a walking tour, admiring the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel. We’ll learn about the famous LGBTQ+ Spanish writer Federico García Lorca, and his intriguing life before passing through Plaza de Bib-Rambla and the Alcaiceria, a former Moorish silk market filled with small traders selling souvenirs. Think Moroccan bazaar with a Spanish twist. Next, we’ll enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Albayzin to marvel at the Palace of Dar al-Horra and Paseo de los Tristes. Our tour will end at Mirador de San Nicolas, where we’ll enjoy one of the best views of Granada and the Alhambra Palace. We’ll then break for lunch and a siesta, then reconvene in the late afternoon for a cooking class, an opportunity to gain insight into the local techniques used in this region, and of course, do some cooking! After enjoying the fruits of our labor, we’ll head back to the hotel for a free evening.
Hotel: Melia Granada Hotel, Granada, 4*
Day 8
After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport bright and early for our included flight to Barcelona. Upon arrival, we’ll board a private panoramic bus tour to view some of the city’s most prominent landmarks, including the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Placa de Catalunya, and the Arc de Triomf. We’ll then have lunch in an LGBTQ-owned restaurant before stretching our legs on a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter. Later, we’ll check-in to our hotel, take an orientation walk, and then have free time before gathering for an included dinner nearby. Since it’s Saturday, we may opt to paint the town red and head out for drinks in Gaixample, home to many of the city’s LGBTQ+ establishments.
Hotel: H10 Casanova Hotel, Barcelona, 4*
Day 9
Rise and shine, we’re off to set our sights on two of the highlights for every visitor to España. First, we’ll head to Park Güell, created by famed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. Our visit to the park will set the stage for the cynosure of the city, Sagrada Familia. Work has been underway for more than 130 years on this massive monument, also designed by architect Antoni Gaudi, with its construction expected to be finished by 2026. While here, we’ll have the opportunity to learn about the architecture, climb to the top of the towers, and visit the underground museum to gain insight into how Gaudi planned this masterpiece. Afterward, we’ll have the afternoon at our leisure to shop ‘til we drop, visit the gay beach of Platja de la Mar Bella, or wander along the pier. We’ll reconvene late this afternoon for a sunset drink overlooking the city, a fabulous Farewell Dinner, and perhaps one last dip into Barcelona’s gay nightlife.
Hotel: H10 Casanova Hotel, Barcelona, 4*
Day 10
There are no activities planned today until your complimentary departure transfer. Safe travels home!
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• Arrival & departure transfers to/from joining/finishing point hotel
• A gay group host and English-speaking local guides throughout
• Domestic flight on day 8 of the tour
• Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
• All gratuities for hotel porters, drivers and local guides
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• All land transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with bottled water available on the bus
• International airfare
• Optional activities, meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks, etc.)
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers. Click here for more details.
• Gratuities for your host (budget approximately $80 – $140 USD
Spain Visa
Currently, a visa is not required for American, Australian, British, and Canadian citizens travelling to Spain for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
Culture Shock
Spain is a highly-developed Western nation. Crime rates are low and the nation is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets and petty theft anywhere that’s popular with tourists. The typical dinner time in Spain is much later than in North America, with many Spaniards dining between 9 and 11pm.
Local LGBT Scene
Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona all have amazing gay scenes. Overall, the whole country is gay-friendly! In 2005, Spain became the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. This progressive legislation not only solidified Spain’s reputation as a welcoming destination for the LGBTQ+ community but also inspired other nations to follow suit.
Weather
In September, the climate is typically mild and ranges from 14C (57F) to 27C (80F) so it’s a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket for the evenings. The weather is generally pleasant with clear skies, making it suitable for outdoor exploration and visiting cultural sites.
Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements for Spain, there are no mandatory vaccinations. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. We cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Electricity
You will need an international travel plug/adapter for Type F sockets.
Connectivity
All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access. If you require connectivity, we recommend purchasing an international data plan or local SIM card (with an unlocked device).
Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on this tour.At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.
Physical Preparedness
This tour is rated 2-2.5/5. All guests must have a good level of health, and all tours involve uneven steps or stairs, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise us of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 7 dinners are included.
Money
Spain’s local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted.
NOTE: We recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. This should be in addition to any spending money.
Tipping
Gratuities for hotel porters, drivers and local guides are included; however we do recommend tipping for any drinks that are not included, or any services that you purchase above and beyond your packaged tour. Gratuities for your host are not included. More information will be provided in your final trip documents, however we recommend budgeting $80 – $140 USD as a guideline.
What to bring
Our adventure entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. Our packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Our specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring.
Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.
How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whether we’re sitting around a campfire or indulging in five-star decadence, our goal is to make the experience magical. We also support the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations whenever possible, and seeking out authentic local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture.
Fellow Adventurers
Our tours are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meetups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.
Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with our tour. And just because we’re a gay travel company doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.
Groups Within Groups
We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time.
Itinerary Disclaimer
The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.
Starting Point Hotel
Avani Alonso Martinez Hotel, Madrid
Madrid has it all – history, culture, art, food – and so much more to enjoy. Thanks to the excellent location of our hotel in Madrid city centre, near to Chueca, you’ll be right in the middle of the action. Located just 100 m from the historic Plaza de Alonso Martínez on a quiet, tree-lined avenue, the city’s liveliest bars, chicest boutiques and world-famous museums are just minutes away.
On the outside, our hotel features an iconic, century-old façade with wrought-iron balconies. On the inside, you’ll find cool, clean, contemporary design elements inspired by the city of Madrid, along with the latest in technology and comforts. Our state-the-art WiFi is ideal if you'll be working during your stay, and we’ve got new, extra-thick mattresses with a variety of pillows to choose from for the ultimate sleeping experience, making us the best accommodation in Madrid city centre.
Finishing Point Hotel
H10 Casanova Hotel, Barcelona
The chic H10 Casanova Hotel is centrally located on Barcelona’s Gran Via, a 10-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya and the Rambla. There is a garden spa with whirlpool and steam room.
Featuring contemporary boutique-style décor, the H10 Casanova offers air-conditioned rooms with a satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. There is a minibar and safe, and the modern private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and amenities. Room service is also available.
The on-site Despacio Spa Centre has a Vichy shower, a steam bath and hot tub; massages as well as facial and body treatments are available on prior request according to the price list.
The hotel has an à la carte restaurant and a trendy café-bar. There is a 24-hour reception, and you can hire a car or bicycle from the tour desk.
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